Japan Focus
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This edition covers Japan’s sodium labelling shift, Asahi’s profit dip post-cyberattack, silkworm protein for health, and more
Japan revises nutrition label guidelines with sodium control focus
New nutrition labelling standards in Japan focus on sodium control, paving the way towards regulatory control and lower salt innovation.
Salt and sodium intake has been one of Japan’s most urgent public health challenges in recent years, exacerbated by the country’s abundant use of soy sauce and relevant condiments as staple parts of its cuisine.
Asahi profit dips after Japan cyberattack, Europe weather woes
Asahi Group Holdings (Asahi) fell victim to a cyberattack on September 2025 which led to major systems disruption and ultimately a drop in earnings in its latest financial quarter.
A group which declared its name as ‘Qilin’ claimed responsibility for the attack, launching ransomware attacks and demanding Asahi pay a ransom to restore operations, which Asahi President and CEO Atsushi Katsuki said the company has refused to pay.
Silkworm protein firm taps health and familiarity for regional growth
Morus produces silkworm-derived protein powders for muscle maintenance and daily nutrition, SilkMatcha – a matcha blend with silkworm powder in individual sachets – and DNJ capsules targeting blood sugar management.
The firm’s strategy aligns with the “food-as-medicine” concept, leveraging silkworms’ nutritional properties to target metabolic health concerns.
Açai leader SAMBAZON eyes Japan, Middle East to drive next growth phase
The boom of the açaí industry has led to a rapid growth in demand, and while the United States remains the company’s top market in sales at the moment, SAMBAZON sees growth being driven by several other markets globally.
“Our top customer in terms of growth is definitely Japan – we saw a 3x growth in sales and demand over the past two years, driven by consumer curiosity as well as a first-mover advantage,” said the firm.
Japanese crisps hit by Iran conflict
Fuel disruption linked to the Iran conflict has forced Japan’s Yamayoshi Seika to halt crisp production, showing how quickly energy shocks can hit food manufacturing.
The crisis mirrors Japan’s 2017 potato shortage, highlighting the food industry’s vulnerability to single points of failure – this time not crops, but energy.
Audrey Yow
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